Anthony Nelson Scouting Report

STRENGTHS: Anthony Nelson is one of the
stronger defensive ends in the 2019 draft class…very strong lower half and can
bull rush offensive lineman into the backfield…counter moves to attack the
interior of the offensive line is high level…good hands…strong initial
punch…dislodges large human beings…great length and frame should be appealing
to many scouts…consistent, solid tackler…

WEAKNESSES: Anthony Nelson has a lack of
quickness that may be magnified at the NFL level…what comes off on tape is the
stiffness of Anthony Nelson’s hips…his functional fluidity is lacking…does not
play well in space…will not be a prospect who can drop back into coverage…his
pass rushing leaves much to be desired…

COMP: Emmanuel Ogbah/Vinny Curry

OVERALL: Anthony Nelson is a bit of a
‘tweener’—in the fact that I’m not sure if he projects to 4-3 defensive end or
to the interior of the defensive line…Nelson was a productive prospect, but his
lack of fluidity and speed will likely bite him as it relates to the NFL game…it
would appear that Anthony Nelson projects ideally as a run-stuffing defensive
end prospect in the Emmanuel Ogbah/Vinny Curry mode…the NFL covets speed more
so now than ever…they want that pass rushing ability off the edge…so Anthony
Nelson will ultimately be devalued…I would expect to see Anthony Nelson
selected in the 3rd-4th round of the 2019 NFL Draft.